Clamping Device, in Particular for Hoses

ABSTRACT

The clamping device has a clamping element ( 9 ) which can be moved from a starting position into a clamping position. The clamping element ( 9 ) is located in a housing ( 6 ) and bounds a pressure space in which a pressure medium is accommodated. By actuation of a trigger element ( 52 ), the pressure medium acts on the clamping element ( 9 ), which as a result is moved out of the starting position and into the clamping position. No tool is required to trigger the clamping element ( 9 ), and so the clamping device ( 9 ) can be handled easily and without problems. The trigger element ( 52 ) is a constituent part of the clamping device ( 9 ) and is available whenever the clamping operation is intended to be initiated.

The invention concerns a clamping device, in particular for hoses,according to the preamble of claim 1.

Clamping devices in the form of hose clamps with which hoses are securedon pipes are known. The clamping strap is pulled together by means of aclamping screw in order to fasten the hose on the pipe. For actuatingthe clamping screw, a tool is required; this makes handling of theclamping device more difficult.

The object of the invention is to configure the clamping device of theaforementioned kind in such a way that it enables in a simple way andwithout the assistance of a tool movement of the clamping element from astarting position into a clamping position.

According to the invention, this object is solved for the clampingdevice of the aforementioned kind with the characterizing features ofclaim 1.

In the clamping device according to the invention, the clamping elementdelimits within the housing the pressure chamber in which the pressuremedium is contained. By actuation of the trigger element, the pressuremedium loads the clamping element and moves it from the startingposition into the clamping position. For triggering the clamping elementno tool is required so that the clamping device can be handled in asimple way without problems. The trigger element is a component of theclamping device and is therefore available at any time for initiatingthe clamping process.

The clamping element is advantageously a piston that is supportedslidably within the housing.

Preferably, the clamping element is designed such that it is moveableonly in the direction of pressure loading. In this way, it is ensuredthat the force generated by the clamping element is maintained at alltimes and is not reduced by a return movement.

In an advantageous embodiment, securing of the clamping element againstreturn movement in a direction opposite to the pressure loadingdirection is realized by at least one locking element.

This locking element is advantageously a locking pawl that under springforce engages a toothing which is provided on the clamping element. Thelocking pawl is always secured by the spring force in engagement withthe toothing so that reliably a movement of the clamping elementopposite to the pressure loading direction is prevented. The lockingpawl is moreover a simple and inexpensive component that can also beattached easily on the housing of the clamping device.

The clamping element is advantageously provided with at least oneconnector for an end of a clamping ring. The connector can be formed bya bearing pin on which the end of the clamping ring is arranged. Theclamping ring can be used for clamping a hose on a connecting piece,such as a pipe.

The other end of the clamping ring is advantageously connected to atleast one housing-side connector that is, for example, formed by abearing pin.

When the clamping element is moved by the pressure medium, thepiston-side connector is adjusted relative to the housing-side connectorsuch that the clamping ring is elastically contracted and exerts aclamping force on the hose surrounded by it.

Advantageously, the end of the clamping ring that is located on thepiston-side connector and/or on the housing-side connector is designedas an expansion section. Due to the expansion section, diameterenlargements of the hose, as they occur upon heating of the hose, forexample, can be compensated by elastic deformation. Heating of the hoseoccurs, for example, when a medium at higher temperature flows throughit, as is the case, for example, for cooling water hoses in internalcombustion engines of motor vehicles. Since the clamping ring as aresult of the expansion section can follow the diameter enlargements ofthe hose by elastic deformation, damage of the hose is avoided. As thehose cools down again and its diameter becomes smaller, the expansionsection then returns into its initial form.

When both ends of the clamping ring are designed as expansioncompensation sections, greater diameter expansions of the hose can alsobe reliably compensated by an appropriate elastic deformation.

The ends of the clamping ring are advantageously annular and designed tobe elastically expandable. With the annular ends the clamping ring canbe mounted simply on the housing-side and piston-side connectors. Themanufacture of the ring ends is possible in a simple way. The clampingelement is positioned transversely to the ring ends and alsotransversely to the clamping ring axis.

Advantageously, in the pressure chamber at least one container isdisposed that is opened by means of the trigger element for releasingthe pressure medium.

In order for the container disposed in the pressure chamber to be openedin a simple way, the trigger element is provided with at least oneopening element.

In a preferred embodiment, the opening element has at least one,preferably however several pointed teeth. With them, the container canbe reliably penetrated and the contents of the container releasedthereby.

Advantageously, in the container, preferably in several containers,liquid starting materials are contained which, after opening of thecontainer, react chemically with each other and form a foam that formsthe pressure medium that acts on the clamping element. The startingmaterials required for generating the foam can be contained in differentchambers of a single container but can also be provided in their owncontainers, respectively.

In order for the trigger element to be actuated in a simple way, it isprovided with a grip member that is positioned outside of the housing.It is connected by at least one connecting part with the opening elementin the pressure chamber. By pulling the grip member, the opening elementcan be pulled toward the container and can open it thereby.

So that the grip member with the connecting part does not remain on thehousing after the clamping process, it is provided with at least onecutting edge. With it, the connecting part can be severed after openingof the container.

Further features of the invention result from the further claims, thedescription, and the drawings.

The invention will be explained with the aid of embodiments illustratedin the drawings in more detail. It is shown in:

FIG. 1 in a perspective illustration a clamping device according to theinvention;

FIG. 2 a side view of the clamping device according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 a plan view onto the clamping device according to FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 in a side view the clamping device according to FIG. 1 in theoperating state without clamping rings;

FIG. 5 the clamping device according to FIG. 4 with clamping rings;

FIG. 6 in an enlarged illustration the clamping device according to FIG.1 in the operating state with opened housing but without clamping rings;

FIG. 7 in perspective illustration the first housing part of the housingaccording to FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 the other housing part of the housing according to FIG. 6 inperspective illustration;

FIG. 9 in perspective illustration two clamping rings of the clampingdevice;

FIG. 10 in perspective illustration the first part of the piston of theclamping device according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 in perspective illustration the other part of the piston of theclamping device according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 in perspective illustration a pressure spring of the clampingdevice according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 in perspective illustration a locking pawl of the clampingdevice according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 in perspective illustration a trigger element of the clampingdevice according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 in a simplified illustration a further embodiment of a clampingdevice according to the invention, embodied as a pressure cylinder, indifferent positions;

FIG. 16 in a simplified illustration a further embodiment of a clampingdevice according to the invention, embodied as a pulling cylinder, invarious positions;

FIG. 17 in a simplified illustration a further embodiment of a clampingdevice according to the invention embodied as a spreading anchor in thestarting state;

FIG. 18 the clamping device according to FIG. 17 in the operating state;

FIG. 19 in an exploded illustration an embodiment of the connection oftwo frames positioned at a right angle to each other by means of aclamping device according to the invention;

FIG. 20 in a perspective illustration the arrangement according to FIG.19.

The clamping device according to FIGS. 1 to 14 serves for attachinghoses on connecting sockets by clamping force. For this purpose, atleast one clamping ring 1 is provided. Advantageously, the clampingdevice has two clamping rings 1 that are configured and arrangedmirror-symmetrical to each other. The ends of the clamping rings 1 areshaped as rings 2, 3 that are seated on bearing pins 4, 5. The bearingpin 4 is stationarily provided on a housing 6 while the bearing pin 5 isslidable relative to the housing 6 for contracting the clamping rings 1.The housing 6 is comprised of two housing parts 7, 8 that are connectedadvantageously non-detachably, for example, by welding, to each otherand are advantageously made of plastic material.

The bearing pin 4 is formed monolithically with the housing part 7. Thebearing pin 5 is provided on a piston 9, preferably monolithicallyformed therewith. The piston 9 is comprised of two piston parts 10, 11that are formed mirror-symmetrical to each other and are connectedfixedly to each other. By displacing the piston 9 relative to thehousing 6, the clamping rings 1 are elastically contracted and, in thisway, the hose (not illustrated) surrounded by the clamping rings 1 isclamped on the connecting piece, for example, a pipe.

The housing 6 is advantageously designed such that it has a bottom sidefacing the clamping rings 1 that is curved such that it hasapproximately the same radius of curvature as the clamping rings 1 (FIG.2). The housing bottom side 12 (FIG. 6) extends with a continuouscurvature and passes in an arc shape into a topside 13 of the housing 6that extends advantageously parallel to the housing bottom side 12.

The housing part 7 has a sidewall 14 (FIG. 7) that projects past apiston chamber 15. It is delimited by a bottom 16, a top 17 and an endwall 18. The sidewall 14 projects past the end wall 18 and in this areais provided with a transversely projecting bearing pin 4. The top 17 ofthe housing part 7 forms with its outer side a portion of the housingtopside 13 while the underside of the bottom 16 forms a part of thehousing bottom side 12.

The piston chamber 15 is open at the end which is opposite the end wall18. From the underside of the top 17 as well as from the top side of thebottom 16, a short web 19, 20 is projecting, respectively; they arepositioned opposite each other at a spacing and delimit a throughopening 21 for the piston 9.

The housing part 8 (FIG. 8) has also the piston chamber 15 which isdelimited by the bottom 16, the top 17, and the end wall 18. A sidewall22 of the housing part 8 projects past the end wall 18 and is providedin this area with an opening 23 into which the bearing pin 4 projects.The bottom 16 and the top 17 are provided at the end that is positionedopposite the end wall 18 with a flat web 19, 20. The two webs delimitthe through opening 21 for the piston 9.

When the two housing parts 7, 8 are connected to each other, theydelimit together the piston chamber 15.

The two housing parts 7, 8 each have, in the area of the through opening21, a projection 24 projecting past the top 17 in which a mounting space25 is provided for a locking pawl 26 (FIG. 1). The mounting space 25 isopen toward the housing bottom side 12. The locking pawl 26 is seated ona bearing pin 27 which is supported with its end in depressions 28 inthe sidewalls 29 of the mounting space 25. The locking pawl 26 can restunder the force of at least one pressure spring 30 on a slanted surface31 which delimits the mounting space 25 at one side (FIGS. 7 and 8). Theslanted surface 31 is provided at the exterior side of the web 20 of thehousing parts 7, 8.

The pressure spring 30 is advantageously a coil pressure spring that issupported in a suitable way in the mounting space 25. The pressurespring 30 is pretensioned so that the locking pawl 26 is reliablyforce-loaded.

The piston 9 is of a two-part configuration like the housing 6 and isformed by the two piston parts 10, 11 to be described in more detailwith the aid of FIGS. 10 and 11. The two piston parts 10, 11 areconnected to each other with their facing inner sides 32, 33 restingagainst each other. Both piston parts 10, 11 have a locking part 34, 35which is provided at its topside with pawl teeth 36, 37. The lockingpawl 26 interacts with them such that the piston 9 can be moved in onlyone direction and is blocked in opposite direction by the locking pawl6.

The locking parts 35, 34 project through the through opening 21 into thepiston chamber 15 of the housing 6. At the free end the locking parts34, 35 are provided with a piston end part 38, 39. The end faces of thepiston end parts 38, 39 form the piston surface 40 (FIGS. 2 and 4) whichis loaded with a pressure medium during the clamping process. The pistonend parts 38, 39 are provided circumferentially with a groove 41 thatreceives a sealing ring with which the piston 9 is sealed relative tothe wall of the piston chamber 15.

The locking parts 34, 35 are embodied to be curved across their lengthand adjoin a bearing part 42, 43 that is positioned outside of thepiston chamber 15. A bearing pin 5, on which one end of the clampingrings 1 is seated respectively, projects transversely from each one ofouter sides 44, 45 of the bearing parts 42, 43 that are facing away fromeach other. The bearing parts 42, 43 project past the pawl teeth 36, 37as well as the opposite side of the locking parts 34, 35. With thisprojecting part the bearing parts 42, 43 are resting in their initialposition according to FIG. 2 against the webs 19 of the housing parts 7,8. The bearing parts 42, 43 form substantially a continuous extension ofthe housing in the starting position.

The bearing parts 42, 43 are provided at their topside each with arecess 46, 47 into which the projection 24 of the housing 6 projects inthe starting position.

The piston 9 is provided centrally with a blind bore-type recess 48extending in its longitudinal direction which opens at the end-facepiston surface.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the starting position of the clamping device thepiston 9 is completely disposed within the piston chamber 15 of thehousing 6. Under the force of the pressure spring 30, the locking pawl26 is resting with its end on the bottom 49 of the recess 46, 47 of thebearing parts 42, 43.

The piston chamber 15 is longer than the piston 9. Between the end wall18 of the housing 6 and the free end of the piston 9 there remains thusa free space in which a pressure medium can be housed with which thepiston 9 can be moved for clamping the clamping rings 1. The pressuremedium is formed by the chemical reaction of liquid reactive startingmaterials with generation of a foam. When polyols are mixed withpolyisocyanates and a foaming medium, in general water, as well asoptionally a catalyst, the polyol reacts with the polyisocyanate by apolyaddition reaction to polyurethane foam. The foaming agent forms gasinclusions. When water is used as a foaming agent, it reacts with aportion of the polyisocyanate and releases carbon dioxide. The aminewhich is produced thereby can optionally react further with theremaining isocyanate to a urea derivative and contribute tostabilization of the cross-linked structure. The foaming agent ingeneral is admixed to the polyol. In this case, for producing thepolyurethane foam, two phases are used which are each housed in acontainer 50, 51 (FIG. 1). It is also possible to utilize only onecontainer that has two chambers for these two phases.

Depending on the selection of the employed starting materials, theproperties of the polyurethane foam can be adjusted. When long-chainpolyols are used, soft to elastic foams are formed while the use ofshort-chain polyols produces greatly cross-linked hard foam materials.

When the two components are mixed with each other, the resultingpolyurethane foam then loads the piston surface 40 and displaces thepiston 9.

The components contained in the containers 50, 51 are matched to eachother such that the foam formed upon reaction of the components exertssuch a force onto the piston 9 that the clamping rings 1 are contractedin a sufficient amount so much that the hose is safely clamped onto theconnecting piece.

When the piston 9 is pushed out of the housing 6, the locking pawl 26slides across the pawl teeth 36, 37. The pressure spring 30 ensures thatthe locking pawl 26 remains always in engagement with the pawl teeth 36,37. The pawl teeth 36, 37 in combination with the locking pawl 26prevent that the piston 9 can be pushed back. In this way, it is ensuredthat the piston 9 in any position is secured properly against beingpushed back and that it is ensured in this way that the clamping rings 1reliably clamp the hose on the connecting piece.

Since the piston 9 is secured by the locking pawl 26 in its respectiveextended position, the pressure medium that is produced by the chemicalreaction must act only for pushing out the piston 9. This pressuremedium can thus also be, for example, a gas that applies a sufficientpressure on the piston surface 40.

The resulting foam can also cure within the piston chamber 15 becausethe clamping device is designed such that the piston 9 cannot bereturned but is blocked by the locking pawl 26 in the respectivepulled-out position.

In order for the components in the containers 50, 51 to be released, theclamping device is provided with a trigger element 52. It has a gripmember 53 positioned outside of the housing 6. It is embodied in theembodiment as a ring but can of course also have any other suitableshape. The grip member 53 is connected by a thin connecting member 54with the plate-shaped opening element 55 (FIG. 14). It is penetrated byat least one, preferably several openings 56 and is provided at its sidefacing the grip member 53 with projecting pointed teeth 57. The end ofthe connecting part 54 projecting past the opening element 55 is seatedwith clamping action in the recess 48 of the piston 9.

The connecting part 54 projects through an opening 58 in the end wall 18of the housing 6. The opening 58 in the end wall 18 has such a minimaldiameter that a sealing action relative to the piston chamber 15 is notrequired.

The contour of the opening element 55 corresponds to the innercross-section of the piston chamber 15. Advantageously, on the openingelement 55 a rectangular annular seal 59 (FIG. 1) is provided with whichthe opening element 55 seal-tightly rests on the inner wall of thepiston chamber 15.

The opening element 55 is positioned in the area between the end-facepiston surface 40 of the piston 9 and the containers 50, 51 (FIGS. 2 and6). When the hose is to be clamped on the connecting piece, the openingelement 55 is pushed against the containers 50, 51 by means of the gripmember 53. The teeth 57 penetrate the containers 50, 51 which areembodied e.g. as plastic bags and release in this way the componentscontained therein. They flow through the openings 56 of the openingelement 55 and form in the described way the pressure medium acting onthe piston surface 40 and thus moving the piston 9. The trigger element52 is moved in a single stroke. No high force is required for openingthe containers 50, 51 by the teeth 57. The containers 50, 51 arecompressed by the opening element 55 between the end wall 18 of thehousing 6 and the flow element 55 (FIGS. 4 and 5) so that the componentscontained in the containers are completely pushed out. Subsequently, theconnecting part 54 can be cut off by a movement transversely to itslongitudinal direction. For this purpose, on the exterior side of theend wall 18 a projecting tear-off part 60, which in cross-section is ofa triangular shape, is provided, wherein the connecting part 54 can besevered on its edge 61 by an appropriate transverse movement. Since theconnecting part 54 is thin, it can be cut through easily along thetear-off edge 61. When in a preferred embodiment the trigger element 52is made of plastic material, the separating process can be carried outin a simple way.

The clamping rings 1 are coiled such that, viewed in axial direction ofthe clamping rings, they form in the untensioned state a closed ring(FIG. 1). Accordingly, the clamping rings 1 surround in the undeformedstate the hose completely.

The free ends of the clamping rings 1 are formed to rings 2, 3. Theclamping rings 1 have a coiled annular body 62 (FIG. 9) that extendsacross more than 360° and passes continuously curved into the ring ends2, 3. As a result of the coil shape of the ring body 62, the ring ends2, 3, viewed in a direction transverse to the ring axis, are positionedimmediately adjacent to each other (FIG. 1). The ring ends 2, 3 areformed by a ring section 63, 64 which extends across approximately 180°.The free ends of the ring sections 63, 64 are positioned with minimalspacing opposite the corresponding area of the annular body 62.

The ring ends 2, 3 form the compensation sections that enable wideningof the clamped hose, for example, by heating. The ring ends 2, 3 in sucha case can expand elastically and can compensate the diameterenlargement of the clamping rings 1 upon expansion of the clamped hoseby elastic deformation. When the hose retracts again, the ring ends 2, 3will also elastically contract.

The clamping rings 1 are comprised advantageously of a spring wire withcircular cross-section in order to avoid damage to the hose. The wirethat forms the clamping rings 1 can however also have an angular orgenerally non-round cross-section.

The clamping rings 1 are seated with one ring end 2, 3 on thehousing-fast bearing pin 4 and with the other ring end on thepiston-side bearing pin 5. When the piston 9 is moved in the describedway by pressure medium loading, the clamping rings 1 are contracted byelastic deformation and in this way the hose is clamped on theconnecting piece.

In the housing 6, the containers 50, 51, the piston 9, and the openingelement 55 of the trigger element 53 are housed protected from externalinfluences such as soiling, damage and the like.

In order to prevent the ring ends seated on the piston-side bearing pins5 from sliding off, securing discs 65, 66 (FIG. 1) are positioned on thebearing pins 5 and engage across the ring ends seated on the bearingpins 5 and thereby prevent them from sliding off the bearing pins.

With the clamping device the hoses can be reliably clamped on theconnectors in a simple way. Since the piston 9 is secured by the lockingpawl 26 against retraction, the clamping process is very simple. Theoperator must only pull at the grip member 53 in order to trigger thechemical reaction in the piston chamber 15 in the described way. Thefoam which is produced in the piston chamber pushes the piston 9automatically out of the piston chamber so that the clamping rings 1 areclamped. The clamping process can be quickly performed in this way; thisis in particular advantageous when a plurality of clamping devices mustbe actuated.

Generation of pressure media, for example of the described foam, isknown. The magnitude of the pressure which is to be applied in thepiston chamber 15 and thus the quantity of the components to be housedin the containers 50, 51 depends on the clamping force to be applied. Itcan therefore be determined in a simple way.

The pressure medium can also be in the form of gas which is contained,for example, in a cartridge as a container that is arranged within thepiston chamber 15 and that, for triggering the clamping process, isopened with a trigger element so that the gas can flow out and displacethe piston 9 in the described way.

FIG. 15 shows a further application of a clamping device. It is designedas a pressure cylinder and has the piston 9 which extends straight incontrast to the preceding embodiment. FIG. 15 a shows the piston 9 inits retracted position. Its piston surface 40 which is to be loaded ispositioned at a spacing from the end wall 18 of the housing 6. In thisarea of the piston chamber 15 there are containers 50, 51 (notillustrated) with a foaming agent. When the piston 9 is to be extended,in accordance with the preceding embodiment the containers are openedwith the trigger element (not illustrated) so that the releasedcomponents can react with each other and load the piston surface 40 withthe required pressure. The piston 9 is secured in accordance with thepreceding embodiment with at least one locking pawl against a returnmovement.

FIG. 16 shows a clamping device which is designed as a pulling cylinder.In contrast to the preceding embodiment, the piston 9 in the startingposition is maximally moved out of the housing 6. Between the end wall18 of the housing 6 and the piston surface 40 to be loaded the pressuremedium is disposed in the containers. When the clamping process is to beinitiated, the foaming agent is released in the described way so thatthe piston 9 is pushed into the housing 6.

The clamping device according to FIGS. 17 and 18 is mounted in aschematically illustrated anchor 67 that has distributed about itscircumference spreading elements 68. In the starting position (FIG. 17)the spreading elements 68 are bent back so far that they do not projectpast the outer wall 69 of the anchor 67. In the anchor 67 there is thepiston chamber 15 in which the piston 9 is housed. Between the piston 9and the bottom 70 of the piston chamber 15, the pressure medium isarranged which is released for the clamping process and acts on thepiston surface 40. The piston 9 is displaced in this way and forces thespreading elements 68 outwardly so that they project past the outer wall69 of the anchor 67 (FIG. 18). The end of the piston 9 opposite thepiston surface 40 is of a tapering configuration so that the spreadingelements 68 are reliably bent outwardly. The piston 9, in turn, can besecured by at least one locking pawl in its end position illustrated inFIG. 18 so that the spreading elements 68 are secured against springingback.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show how with the aid of the clamping device 2, miteredframe parts that are positioned at a right angle to each other can beconnected to each other. The two frame parts 71, 72 are hollow profiledmembers which in the mounted position are positioned at a right angle toeach other. The clamping device comprises the piston 9 which is housedin the piston chamber 15 of the housing 6. The housing 6 has ahook-shaped projection 73 (FIG. 19) with which the housing 6 engagesacross a securing part 74 which is attached on the inner side of theframe part 71 and projects past the mitered side 75 of the frame part71. In the securing part 74 there is a conical opening 76 that isengaged by a conical end section 77 of the piston 9.

The housing 6 is attached within the frame part 72 such that thehook-shaped projection 73 of the housing 6 engages across the securingpart 74. When the piston 9 is loaded with the pressure medium, it ispushed out of the housing 6 and moves with its end section 77 in theextension direction into the tapering conical opening 76 of the securingpart 74. By means of the projection 73, the frame part 72 with its mitercut side 78 is pulled tightly against the miter side 75 of the framepart 72.

In a further embodiment (not illustrated), in the piston chamber 15 as apressure medium at least one pre-tensioned pressure spring is providedwhich loads the piston 9. The piston 9 is first held in its startingposition with at least one locking part. In order to tension theclamping ring 1, the locking part is moved by means of a triggeringelement into a release position so that the piston 9 is released. Underthe force of the pre-tensioned pressure spring the piston is thenadjusted from its starting position into the clamping position in whichthe clamping rings 1 clamp tightly the hose on the connecting piece.

It is finally also possible to produce the pressure medium bypyrotechnical means. In this case, in the piston chamber 15 a miniatureexplosive charge is arranged which is ignited by the trigger element 52when the clamping rings 1 are to clamp the hose on the connecting piece.The explosion pressure which is produced by igniting the miniatureexplosive charge moves the piston 9 reliably from the starting positioninto the clamping position.

What is claimed is: 1.-15. (canceled)
 16. A clamping device comprising:a housing having a pressure chamber; a clamping element disposed in thehousing and moveable from a starting position into a clamping position;wherein the clamping element delimits the pressure chamber in thehousing; a pressure medium disposed in the pressure chamber; a triggerelement acting on the pressure medium; wherein the pressure medium, whenactuated by the trigger element, moves the clamping element in apressure loading direction from the starting position into the clampingposition.
 17. The clamping device according to claim 16, wherein theclamping element is a piston supported slidably within the housing. 18.The clamping device according to claim 16, wherein the clamping elementis moveable only in the pressure loading direction.
 19. The clampingdevice according to claim 18, further comprising a locking element,wherein the locking element secures the clamping element against movingopposite to the pressure loading direction.
 20. The clamping deviceaccording to claim 19, wherein the locking element is a locking pawlwhich engages, loaded by a spring, a toothing provided on the clampingelement.
 21. The clamping device according to claim 16, furthercomprising a clamping ring, wherein the clamping element is providedwith a first connector and a first end of the clamping ring is connectedto the first connector.
 22. The clamping device according to claim 21,wherein the housing has a second connector and a second end of theclamping ring is connected to the second connector.
 23. The clampingdevice according to claim 22, wherein at least one of the first andsecond ends is a compensation section.
 24. The clamping device accordingto claim 22, wherein the first and second ends are annular andelastically expandable.
 25. The clamping device according to claim 21,wherein the first end is a compensation section.
 26. The clamping deviceaccording to claim 16, further comprising a container disposed in thepressure chamber, wherein the container is opened by the trigger elementfor releasing the pressure medium.
 27. The clamping device according toclaim 26, wherein the trigger element has at least one opening elementwith which the container is opened.
 28. The clamping device according toclaim 27, wherein the opening element has at least one pointed toothwith which the container is penetrated.
 29. The clamping deviceaccording to claim 26, wherein the container contains liquid startingmaterials which, after opening of the container, form a foam by chemicalreaction and the foam acts as the pressure medium.
 30. The clampingdevice according to claim 26, wherein several of said container areprovided and said containers contain liquid starting materials which,after opening of said containers, form a foam by chemical reaction andthe foam acts as the pressure medium.
 31. The clamping device accordingto claim 26, wherein the trigger element has an opening element arrangedin the pressure chamber and adapted to open the container, wherein thetrigger element further has a grip member positioned outside of thehousing, wherein the grip member is connected by a connecting part tothe opening element.
 32. The clamping device according to claim 31,wherein the housing is provided with at least one cutting edge forsevering the connecting member of the trigger element.